of uncertain affinity; a loud or confused noise ("echo"), i.e. roar; figuratively, a rumor:--fame, sound.
Transliteration:ēchos
Pronunciation:ay'-khos
Detailed Word Study
AI-Generated
Loading Study...
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek noun ēchos (`{{G2279}}`) carries a primary meaning related to auditory phenomena, specifically a "loud or confused noise," a "roar," or a "sound." Its etymological root suggests a connection to the concept of an "echo," implying a reverberating or repeating sound. This core meaning extends to encompass various forms of audible expression, from the powerful and distinct to the indistinct and overwhelming. Beyond its literal auditory sense, ēchos also develops a significant figurative meaning: a "rumor" or "report," particularly one that spreads widely, leading to "fame" or renown. This semantic range highlights the word's capacity to describe both a direct sensory experience and the indirect, pervasive influence of information.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term ēchos appears three times in the New Testament, each instance illuminating different facets of its semantic range:
* **[[Luke 4:37]]**: "And the fame of him went out into every place of the country round about." Here, ēchos is translated as "fame" (KJV) or "report" (ESV). Following Jesus' powerful teaching and miraculous healing in the synagogue at Capernaum, the "report" or "fame" of His deeds spread rapidly throughout the surrounding region of Galilee. This usage exemplifies the figurative sense of ēchos as a widespread rumor or public knowledge, emphasizing the immediate and far-reaching impact of Christ's ministry.
* **[[Acts 2:2]]**: "And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting." In this pivotal passage describing the day of Pentecost, ēchos denotes a literal, powerful "sound." The "sound" from heaven, likened to a violent rushing wind, serves as a dramatic, audible manifestation of the Holy Spirit's descent. This is a sensory experience, a divine roar that precedes the visible tongues of fire and the Spirit-empowered speaking in other tongues. The intensity of the ēchos underscores the momentous nature of this event, marking the inauguration of the church.
* **[[Hebrews 12:19]]**: "And the sound of a trumpet and a voice whose words made the hearers beg that no further messages be spoken to them." This verse refers to the terrifying manifestation of God's presence at Mount Sinai during the giving of the Law. The "sound" (or "voice" in some translations) here is not merely a noise but a terrifying auditory experience – a trumpet blast and a divine voice that instilled such fear in the Israelites that they pleaded for the communication to cease. This usage of ēchos emphasizes the awesome and fearful nature of God's direct revelation under the Old Covenant, creating a stark contrast with the gracious and accessible approach to God offered through Christ in the New Covenant.
### Related Words & Concepts
Understanding ēchos is enriched by examining its relationship to other Greek terms pertaining to sound and communication:
* phōnē (`{{G5456}}`): This is a broader and more common term for "voice" or "sound," often referring to human speech, animal cries, or even the voice of God. While ēchos can denote a loud, often indistinct sound or a spreading report, phōnē more frequently points to a specific, articulate utterance. For instance, the "voice" of God in [[Matthew 3:17]] is phōnē.
* psophos (`{{G5595}}`): This word specifically means "noise" or "sound," often an inanimate or non-vocal sound. It is used in [[Revelation 6:1]] for the "sound" of thunder. While ēchos can be a "noise," it carries the added nuance of reverberation or widespread impact, which psophos does not typically convey.
* akoē (`{{G189}}`): Meaning "hearing" or "report," this term shares the "report/rumor" aspect of ēchos. While ēchos describes the *sound* or *fame* itself, akoē often refers to the *act* of hearing or the *content* of what is heard, as in "report" or "message" ([[Romans 10:16]]).
* boē (`{{G995}}`): This signifies a "cry," "shout," or "loud noise," often associated with distress or a battle cry. It is a more specific type of loud vocalization than the general ēchos.
### Theological Significance
The occurrences of ēchos carry profound theological implications:
1. **Divine Manifestation**: In [[Acts 2:2]] and [[Hebrews 12:19]], ēchos serves as a powerful descriptor of God's direct presence and action. The terrifying ēchos at Sinai underscores the holiness and unapproachable nature of God under the Law, emphasizing the need for a mediator. Conversely, the ēchos of the rushing wind at Pentecost signifies the dynamic, tangible arrival of the Holy Spirit, ushering in a new era of intimate divine presence and empowerment for believers. These sounds are not mere background noise but integral components of divine revelation, signifying God's active engagement with humanity.
2. **The Spread of the Gospel and Christ's Fame**: The use of ēchos in [[Luke 4:37]] highlights the organic and rapid dissemination of information about Jesus. His miraculous deeds and authoritative teaching created a "fame" or "report" that naturally spread, demonstrating the compelling nature of His ministry. This foreshadows the broader spread of the Gospel message itself, which, like a powerful sound or pervasive rumor, would eventually reach the ends of the earth. The ēchos of Christ's work laid the groundwork for the global proclamation of His kingdom.
3. **Contrast Between Covenants**: The juxtaposition of ēchos in [[Hebrews 12:19]] (Old Covenant, terrifying sound) and the implied new ēchos of the Spirit's coming in [[Acts 2:2]] (New Covenant, empowering sound) subtly reinforces the theological contrast between the Law and Grace. The former inspires fear and distance; the latter brings power and intimacy.
### Summary
The Greek word ēchos (`{{G2279}}`) is a versatile term meaning "loud sound," "roar," or figuratively, "rumor" or "fame." Its New Testament occurrences demonstrate this dual semantic range with significant theological weight. In [[Luke 4:37]], it describes the widespread "fame" of Jesus' ministry. In [[Acts 2:2]], it denotes the powerful, literal "sound" of the Holy Spirit's arrival at Pentecost, a divine manifestation. Finally, in [[Hebrews 12:19]], it refers to the terrifying "sound" of God's voice at Mount Sinai, emphasizing the awe and fear associated with the Old Covenant. Thus, ēchos points to both the pervasive influence of Christ's work and the dramatic, often awe-inspiring, auditory manifestations of God's presence and power in salvation history.
TRV